iPhones potentially omitted from iOS 26 compatibility list: Possible exclusion of certain devices from the iOS 26 supported devices roster.
Get ready for the WWDC 2025 extravaganza next week, where we'll catch a sneak peek of the upcoming iPhone software, possibly named iOS 26.
As much as we're pumped to explore the newly introduced gizmos and the expected fresh interface from Apple, not all devices will be capable of running the new update. With the arrival of iOS 26, we'll find out which iPhones will no longer grace Apple's support list come the fall.
While you can still use an iPhone that runs the older software, you'll miss out on the hip new features. And since the iOS 26 preview is slated for next week, followed by the full release in the fall, you've got ample time to weigh whether upgrading to one of the top-notch iPhones and enjoying iOS 26's perks is worth your while.
So, which iPhones are at risk of falling off the support wagon with the arrival of iOS 26? For the most part, devices that can run the current iOS 18 should be able to bump up to the latest version, although there are some exceptions.
Drawing on rumors, we think the upcoming iOS 26 will support the following iPhones:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Unfortunately, Apple seems to be saying goodbye to the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max with iOS 26. These nuggets of information come from a well-known, yet anonymous tipster on X, who's a whiz at listing which iPhones get support for iOS updates.
This would make perfect sense, as the iPhone XR and both XS models made their debut way back in 2018. By the time iOS 26 hits the shelves in the fall, these babies will have been dating the operating system for a jaw-dropping seven years.
While it's possible those three models will stop getting Apple's love with iOS 26, they might still receive security updates.
Even devices that can run iOS 26 might not be able to dip their toes into every feature, as certain enhanced capabilities are specific to newer hardware. For instance, to enjoy Apple's AI cluster, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or later. This doesn't look like it'll change with iOS 26.
Gear up for some major interface updates with iOS 26, as Apple prognosticator Mark Gurman predicts this software overhaul could be "one of the most dramatic software transformations in [Apple's] history.".
The WWDC 2025 party goes live on Monday, June 9, with a keynote kicking off at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.
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- iOS's makeover: From worry to optimism
- WWDC 2025 means life or death for Apple Intelligence
- Get a sneak peek of iPhone 17's purported 'metalens' upgrade
[1] iOS support history: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208669[2] Expected iOS 26 compatibility: https://www.tom'sguidetips.com/tips/ios-26-expected-iphone-compatibility-rumors/[3] iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max's exclusion from iOS 26: https://www.tom'sguidetips.com/tips/iphone-xs-xs-max-excluded-from-ios-26-update-rumors/
Upcoming gadgets, including smartphones, will showcase the anticipated fresh interface from Apple with the release of iOS 26. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max might not be compatible with iOS 26, as they are predicted to be excluded from the update, having made their debut in 2018.
